The Shrinking Form Factor of Smartphones in 2025: Why Google’s Pixel 9a Bucks the Trend

In 2025, the smartphone industry is once again obsessed with thinness. From the glossy keynotes of tech giants to the chatter in forums and reviews, the drive to craft the slimmest device is back in full swing. Leading this ultrathin renaissance are major players like Samsung and Apple, whose upcoming models—the Galaxy S25 Edge and iPhone 17 Air—are breaking new ground with bodies measuring just 5.8 mm and 5.5 mm respectively. However, in a world seemingly allergic to anything bulky, Google has chosen a different path with its Pixel 9a. At 8.9 mm, the mid-range Pixel device not only resists the tide but dares to redefine what modern smartphone design can mean.

The Industry Trend Toward Thinness

Historical Background

The quest for thinner smartphones is not new. From the early 2010s, manufacturers battled to claim the "world's thinnest" title, culminating in devices like the Oppo R5 at 4.85 mm. Yet, after incidents like the infamous "Bendgate" of the iPhone 6, the trend plateaued. Function began to win over form, and thicker designs returned with better cameras, batteries, and durability. Fast-forward to today, and the pendulum is swinging back as brands revisit thinness, this time armed with technological advances that promise fewer trade-offs.

Recent Developments

Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge, unveiled this spring, boasts a feather-like profile at 5.8 mm. Meanwhile, leaks suggest Apple’s iPhone 17 Air will push boundaries even further at 5.5 mm—raising eyebrows and memories of the structurally vulnerable iPhone 6. With component miniaturization and more efficient chipsets, companies are now achieving thinness without sacrificing all the essentials. Or so they claim.

Why Thinness is Trending Again

Advances in Technology

The rebirth of the ultra-thin smartphone is enabled by real engineering breakthroughs. Battery chemistries have improved, enabling smaller cells to deliver comparable energy. Chips built on 3nm processes generate less heat and require less space. Meanwhile, innovative stacking of internals—where components are layered rather than laid side-by-side—has made room for sleek aesthetics without completely gutting functionality.

Market Appeal

In the eyes of many consumers, thin still means premium. An ultra-slim phone fits effortlessly into pockets, feels featherlight in the hand, and screams modernity. In a market saturated with similar specs, the allure of a visually striking, almost invisible device remains potent. Plus, for users with smaller hands or fashion-forward tastes, a thinner handset offers practical and aesthetic benefits.

The Ultra-Thin iPad Pro: Pushing the Limits Further

While smartphones have rekindled the pursuit of extreme thinness, Apple has also expanded the trend to its tablet lineup. The 2024 iPad Pro, now measuring just 5.1 mm thick, is the thinnest device Apple has ever made. This engineering marvel showcases Apple’s commitment to minimalist hardware design. However, it has also reignited debate over durability and usability. Tech reviewers have expressed concern over its structural strength, echoing past criticisms of bendable devices. The iPad Pro’s razor-thin design, while visually impressive, represents the razor's edge on which form must balance function.

FAQs

1. Why are smartphone companies making phones thinner again?
   Advancements in materials, battery chemistry, and chipset efficiency have enabled manufacturers to make slimmer phones without the same trade-offs seen in the past.
2. What are the risks of ultra-thin smartphones?
   Common issues include reduced battery life, poor heat dissipation, structural fragility, and limitations in camera and audio hardware.
3. Is the Pixel 9a too thick compared to modern phones?
   At 8.9 mm, the Pixel 9a is thicker than most 2025 models but prioritizes battery life, durability, and real-world usability—making it a preferred choice for many users.
4. What are the advantages of a thicker phone like the Pixel 9a?
   It allows for a larger battery, better thermal management, enhanced water resistance, and a more comfortable grip without a camera bump.
5. Will ultra-thin phones become the long-term norm?
   While thinness is a trend, many consumers and manufacturers still value practicality, suggesting a diversified market where both slim and substantial phones coexist.